Ex-Google Executive Matt Brittin Appointed BBC Director General
Matt Brittin, former president of Google's Europe, Middle East, and Africa operations, has been confirmed as the new director general of the BBC. He will succeed Tim Davie, who announced his resignation in November following controversy over the editing of a speech by former US President Donald Trump on Panorama.
BBC chairman Samir Shah praised Brittin's extensive experience, stating he "brings to the BBC deep experience of leading a high-profile and highly-complex organisation through transformation." Brittin, who departed Google in 2025 after an 18-year tenure, expressed enthusiasm for his new role.
"I can't wait to start this work. It's a moment of real risk, yet also real opportunity," Brittin said.
"Now, more than ever, we need a thriving BBC that works for everyone in a complex, uncertain and fast changing world. At its best, it shows us, and the world, who we are.
"It's an extraordinary, uniquely British asset, with over 100 years of innovation in storytelling, technology and powering creativity. I'm honoured and excited to be asked to serve as Director-General.
"The BBC needs the pace and energy to be both where stories are, and where audiences are. To build on the reach, trust and creative strengths today, confront challenges with courage, and thrive as a public service fit for the future."
Shah Highlights Need for Radical Reform
Samir Shah described Brittin as "an outstanding leader" equipped to guide the BBC through significant changes in the media landscape and shifting audience behaviors.
"Matt's passion for the BBC, his understanding of the challenges facing the organisation, his commitment to its independence and his determination to maintain the BBC's position as one of the country's greatest national assets were critical factors in the Board's decision to appoint him as the 18th Director-General," Shah said.
"Matt joins the BBC at a critical time. The Government's review of the Charter is underway, and it is clear there is need for radical reform of the BBC, its funding model and the framework in which it operates. The stakes for the BBC, and the future of public service broadcasting, have never been higher.
"The Board and I believe Matt is the right person to lead the BBC as it fights for a sustainable future in an uncertain world, for the benefit of audiences and the UK."
The role of director general is widely regarded as one of the most demanding in British media. During Tim Davie's tenure as the 17th director general, he managed numerous scandals and crises within the corporation.
Legal Challenges and Priorities
Brittin will face significant challenges, including managing a multi-billion dollar defamation lawsuit filed by former US President Donald Trump against the BBC. The lawsuit concerns the editing of two segments from a speech Trump delivered on 6 January 2021, which the BBC has since apologized for.
Last week, the BBC requested the court to dismiss the lawsuit, noting that the Panorama episode in question was never broadcast in the United States.
BBC at a Pivotal Moment
Brittin's appointment coincides with critical negotiations regarding the future of the licence fee, BBC funding, and the corporation's royal charter. The current charter, which outlines the BBC's purpose and operational terms, is set to expire in 2027.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy recently indicated she was "minded" to grant the BBC a permanent charter, aiming to position the corporation for success well into the latter half of the century.
The BBC is also navigating a competitive digital media environment dominated by technology giants. Notably, the BBC recently entered a landmark agreement with YouTube, owned by Google's parent company, to produce custom content.
Tech Expertise Seen as an Asset
BBC media editor Katie Razzall reported that Brittin is highly regarded within Google as an inspirational leader and collaborative team player.
While some have questioned the appointment of a leader with a technology background rather than traditional public service or editorial experience, Razzall noted that the BBC Board selected Brittin for his insider knowledge of big tech. Expectations are that he will accelerate the BBC's digital transformation, particularly in news and the development of BBC .
Former night editor Peter Barron, who worked alongside Brittin at Google, highlighted his strong public service motivation.
"He loves the BBC for its trusted news and its creativity, but he's also very conscious of its history as a technological pioneer.
"He wants the BBC to thrive in a world where many of its biggest challenges are linked to technology, whether that's the power of the streamers, online misinformation, or simply how people want to consume content.
"Given his experience and connections across the tech industry, and also the relationships he's forged with broadcasters, the news industry, regulators and governments, I think he's very well placed to meet the challenges."
Background and Early Life
Matt Brittin was born in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. He earned a degree from the University of Cambridge, where he rowed in the Boat Race three times. He also represented Great Britain in rowing, winning a bronze medal at the 1989 World Rowing Championships.
Following Cambridge, Brittin completed a master's degree at the London Business School. He then served as commercial director and director of strategy and digital at Trinity Mirror before joining Google in 2007.
At Google, Brittin became director of UK operations in 2009, was promoted to vice-president for Northern and Central Europe in 2011, and assumed the presidency of Google in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in 2014.
After leaving Google in 2025, Brittin took what he described as "a mini gap year." On LinkedIn, he shared how he spent this time:
"I've already grown a beard, bought a single sculling boat and plan to learn scuba diving from my son when he qualifies as an instructor."
He also joined Media Group as a non-executive director last year.
In January 2026, Brittin was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the King's New Year Honours for services to technology and digital skills.
Reflecting on his relationship with television, Brittin told the Royal Television Society last year:
"My experience of watching television and learning from television and its values shaped me more than so much else in my life.
"Morecambe and Wise for me, the Nine O'Clock News, Not The Nine O'Clock News, Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, Doctor Who in particular.
"So many people who work in tech were shaped by the portrayal of science, technology in those kind of shows."
Parliamentary Scrutiny Over Google's Tax Practices
During his tenure at Google, Brittin appeared before Parliamentary committees and faced rigorous questioning regarding Google's tax payments in the UK. He defended the company in intense exchanges with MPs in 2012 and 2013 about whether Google paid sufficient tax.
This scrutiny contributed to the introduction of the so-called Google Tax. In 2016, Google agreed to pay £130 million in back taxes, a deal hailed as a "victory" by the government but criticized by some observers.
In a 2016 Parliamentary appearance, Brittin was met with surprise when he stated he did not know his own salary.
As the new BBC director general, Brittin is expected to face further Parliamentary committee hearings, a process his predecessor Tim Davie underwent multiple times.
Upcoming Transition
Brittin has two months remaining in his gap year and is scheduled to begin his role as BBC director general on 18 May.
